ALB
Legal Practice and Case Management Software
Modernise and boost service delivery to meet the demands of a fast-moving legal market
A fully integrated PCMS that gives you total control of critical work
ALB integrates all aspects of a firm into one comprehensive legal software platform that manages financial, client, matter and document processes. It allows you to create greater efficiency, and improve compliance, through the simple and flexible customisation of your business workflows.
"ALB has generated significant time savings and improved the way our staff manage and use their time."
Anne Smith, Managing Partner, Harrisons Solicitors
Key capabilities
Client, matter and task management
Reporting and performance monitoring
Legal accounting and billing
Bespoke workflow capability
Document and versioning management
Enhanced mobility capabilities
Digital communication channels
Key technology integrations
Collaboration tools
Compliance and security management
We understand and solve your key issues
We develop legal technology that's designed to help our customers overcome their business challenges
- Workplace stress
Managing heavy workloads can be tough. The situation is even worse for those without access to modern technology to ease the load. Paper-based workflows and outdated legacy systems waste a great deal of time performing repetitive administrative tasks rather than doing critical work. These systems also create more security and compliance risks.
- Balancing tasks and targets
Completing complex processes when you're under pressure to deliver things quickly and profitably is complicated. This is especially true when dealing with fixed fees or legal aid. Without a structured approach to process management there's always the danger of poorly drafted documents or missed actions leading to claims of negligence.
- Keeping up with the speed of digital innovation
As a result of the pandemic, change management has taken centre stage. Companies need to figure out how to reconfigure technology to enable central management of remote tasks, sharing of knowledge, and collaboration to meet the challenges that come with new ways of working. Compliance and security are among the top concerns.
- Staying in touch
Legal consumers no longer choose a law firm based on location and loyalty cannot be assumed. Equipped with email and online channels, clients are more interested in using these channels to find, and retain, legal services. The days of multiple office visits and building face-to-face relationships are coming to a close. What will replace them?
- Inefficiency caused by multiple systems
The use of several non-integrated legal software applications leads to inefficiency. It creates information silos that make it very difficult to get a true snapshot of business or staff performance. This not only delays critical decision making, it also put firms at risk of user error, duplication of effort, and non-compliance.
Featured resources for you
WEBINAR
The ALB - Cloud Forms Integration
42 minutes
Watch this informative webinar that highlights the integration between ALB and Cloud Forms from a user firm perspective.
WEBINAR
ALB Conveyancing Agenda and Workflow Tutorials
8 minutes
This video demonstrates how ALB's Conveyancing workflow helps firms save time and costs, and reduce risk.
REPORT
Recovery and Growth
Author: Doug Hargrove
The role of technology in helping firms achieve their post-pandemic goals
CAPABILITIES
More than just case management
Learn more about the powerful efficiency features that sit within ALB
How our ALB Software can help you
FEATURES & BENEFITS
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Practical Management
Integrated efficiency
At the centre of ALB is an extremely capable engine that offers all of the key functionality you need to run a thriving law firm. By combining tried and trusted technology with ease-of-use, it can help your firm to drive efficiency, and reach higher levels of productivity and success.
Ease-of-Use
ALB has been designed to give you complete control of your processes while reducing your workload. Using it, you can do more with fewer resources, so you can focus on service delivery.
A familiar interface
An interface built on modern, intuitive Microsoft styling ensures instant user familiarity
Intuitive navigation delivers agile system adoption and saved time
Screens are free from distractions and important information can be found quickly
Full text searching surfaces required information or documents quickly
Safe client onboarding
ALB offers a structured approach that supports fast and complaint client onboarding and matter creation
When adding a client, ALB automatically performs a conflict check, comparing data against existing records
AML checks load client ID which is stored at client level, with an icon to confirm checks are completed
Client types can be saved as multiple connected records where appropriate, without rekeying
Document Management
ALB makes it simple to create, store, find and reference documents, or other collateral, and integrates with the Microsoft functions you already use every day.
Joined up thinking
Ensure compliance by setting up documents and precedents centrally, and enable fast completion and revisions
Integrated document management allows documents, emails, faxes and scanned items to be added to a client file
An integration with Outlook allows users to email directly from ALB and save relevant messages within a matter
ALB Cloud Documents are also available to enable 24/7 remote access to current and historical documents
Flexible functionality
Create standard document templates that ensure best practice and compliance
Automatic versioning makes the current draft apparent, allowing easy version comparisons and reduced risk
Track every document's history to see who compiled, or revised, a document - and when
Convert Word documents to .pdf format easily
Financial Management
ALB Accounts help cashiers, secretaries and fee earners track spending, safeguard client monies, simplify billing, control WIP (work-in-progress), and manage profit and loss.
Organised and controlled
Compliant with SRA and HMRC rules, simplified entry of data transactions minimises effort and errors
Offers a wide range of reports, VAT returns, bank reconciliations, purchase ledgers and cashflow forecasting
A single database environment provides comprehensive control of accounting functions
Takes accounts data from ALB and provides a compliant VAT digital submission directly to HMRC
Simplified billing
ALB’s full draft billing wizards speed up the bill-to-cash process and reduce administration time
Ensure best practice by setting up approved processes for your team to follow, from drafts through to completion
Easily create a set of regularly used narratives, preventing the time taken by retyping text
Billing frequency can be set in months and the system will set the next bill due date automatically
Information Management
Easily accessible, structured information is vital to law firms. It supports practitioners in using time and resources wisely, so they can make decisions, progress matters and hit performance targets.
Keep track of time
The ALB diary provides a centralised view that allows fee earners to instantly see their daily commitments
Capture billable time with a choice of mobile, silent, system-prompted or user-driven time recording features
Automated time recording also collects fee earner details and associated charge rates for documents and emails
Integration with Outlook provides time capture prompts against documents and emails
Digital Dashboard
All the information you need to work effectively is available from ALB's user-configurable dashboard
Access case information at the touch of a button, or see and post to your timesheets
Immediately view accounts, ledgers, documents, dairies and appointments
Monitor performance through KPI and other crucial business reports
Data Management
A single SQL database provides a stable, scalable platform where data integrity is assured. It provides access to the exact same details for multiple processes, ensuring consistency and compliance.
Precise information
Where client / contact data is no longer linked to any live or archived matters, ALB will report it
ALB's digital shredder allows the safe removal of historic electronic data that is no longer needed
Clean-up tools identify duplicated data and merge multiple records into one up-to-date, accurate file
Data compliance
ALB was designed to record only the personal data necessary for the provision of legal services
Reduce GDPR risks by ensuring correct marketing opt-ins and methods of consent are recorded and maintained
Lock down clients and matters to minimise who can process personal, identifiable information
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Enhanced Productivity
Do more, in less time
ALB provides the tools you need to save time and work more efficiently. You can choose from our off-the shelf workflow solutions or an innovative toolkit that enables you to design your own tailored, process-specific workflows.
Optimise your processes
Incorporate a structured approach and increase productivity by providing dedicated work environments that store transaction data, and enable day-to-day running of a file from one location.
Case Management
Probate / Executry Agenda assists firms in managing estate administration and probate matters
Conveyancing Agenda supports tasks around the sale, purchase and equity transfer of residential properties
Personal Injury Agenda records the data relevant to PI claims and creates standardised documentation
Family Agenda supports activities around family legal matters such as divorce and financial settlements
Billing workflows
Comprehensive time recording and data capture abilities that support claims
Legal Aid Agency billing
Criminal and Civil Legal Aid billing
Family Fixed Fee billing
Workflow efficiency
Our workflows were developed to help firms deal efficiently with high volumes of specific matter types. Managing all standard processes, they can also be expanded to incorporate bespoke requirements.
Workflow modules
The Conveyancing Workflow, for residential conveyancing tasks, supports all standard processes
A convenient Debt Recovery Workflow is ideal for dealing with volume debts and subsequent recovery methods
The Personal Injury Workflow manages fast, or multi-track, caseloads which fall outside of the MoD portal
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) workflow is an invaluable tool for your Court of Protection specialists
File Quality Review
Create a bespoke workflow process for in-house file reviews
Determine best practice, reducing risks of missed actions and negligence
Confidently conduct reviews or engage fee earners to undertake corrective action
Centralise the status and outcome of collaborative assessments
The Workflow Toolkit
A powerful, flexible suite of development tools you can use to create bespoke, automated workflows - or amend current versions to suit your own working practices.
Controlled automation
Create unique processes, screens, fields and module environments
Choose and customise the level of automation you need to ensure best practice requirements are easily met
To develop pre-defined outcomes, easy-to-use pick lists provide multiple choice content for workflow fields
Define formulas for automated calculations that can be tested directly within the toolkit environment
Develop user precision
Improve performance by providing compliant, easy-to-follow prescribed processes for individual users or teams
Pre-created workflows remove the risk of required actions being missed
Approval processes ensure matter supervision and compliance for less experienced users
This toolkit was created to be practical and accessible, without the need for extensive coding experience
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The Digital Workplace
The freedom to work where, and when, you need to
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technology, with firms scrambling to find solutions that enabled efficient home working. It also changed client behaviour. ALB can deliver the tools you need for joined up hybrid working, and consistent engagement with clients.
ALB Mobile
The modern workplace demands flexibility. ALB Mobile is filled with optimised features that were specifically developed to make sure fee earners can work efficiently, at home or in the office.
Support hybrid working
Our secure, browser-driven mobile application works on any web-enabled device (mobile, tablet or laptop)
24/7 access to matter information including contact details, notes, disbursements and financial overviews
Manage daily tasks including key dates, limitation dates or standard matter tasks
All updated information syncs back to ALB Desktop to ensure smooth, uninterrupted continuity
Remote progress
When a task is completed, ALB Mobile automatically encourages time capture
Record time on the go – you don't have to be at your desk
Choose to view ALB diary appointments in monthly, weekly or daily views
Add, and view, key appointment information and directly record time against completed appointments
ALB Cloud Documents
By replacing your local document facility with ALB Cloud Documents, your firm will benefit from having both current and historic documents safely stored, and instantly available from anywhere, 24/7.
Organised and accessible
Access client or matter documents securely, with full case details available from any location, at any time.
Offer easy collaboration with authorised co-workers, clients and relevant third parties
Two-way synchronisation means you can easily create, edit or delete items from ALB or Cloud Documents
All that's required to access Cloud Documents is an active internet connection
Safe and secure
Cloud Documents provides a multiple level document folder structure for quick access and retrieval
You’re always in full control as access permissions can be added or revoked quickly and easily
Enhanced document security provided by Microsoft OneDrive
Any document destroyed using ALB's digital shredder is also removed from the Cloud environment
Advanced Cloud Forms
This integration offers firms the opportunity to move smoothly from desktop forms software to a solution that offers form libraries in pdf and digital format, along with a digital submission platform.
Next generation forms
Available to authorised users 24/7, from the office, or at home
An easy transition for current desktop forms users
Offers easy, collaborative working with colleagues and clients, speeding form completion
Existing Laserform and ALB alignments automatically carry across, with no additional custom mappings required
Controlled submissions
Cloud Forms manages the entire submission process, offering assured accuracy, control and security
Submit directly to Companies House, HMRC for Stamp Duty and Land Registry.
To ensure smooth completion, data from relevant forms is automatically imported into submissions
Risks associated with missed deadlines or rejected submissions are managed by a pre-authorisation process
Advanced Digital Dictation
This integration allows users to save time by starting dictations directly from a matter or client record, with key details passed automatically from ALB into Digital Dictation
Dictation efficiency
Easy-to-use Cloud dictation software that delivers all of the comprehensive functionality you require
Dictations are associated with the correct matter, making it easy to attach required documents or information
Copy revisions, or additions, can be completed quickly and easily within the correct place in the dictation
Monitor performance and release dictation bottlenecks by using a role defined dashboard to track all activity
Data protection
Every dictation is encrypted while in the transfer stage and is fully protected by HTTPS transmission
Flexible levels of authorised access for single or multiple roles
Secure Cloud back-ups ensure your data is always secure and available
Private dictations can be easily identified and accessed by a nominated private typist when required
e-Signatures
With electronic signatures now widely accepted by court authorities, and with more jurisdictions accepting the practice, it’s the right time to offer your clients a more convenient signatory process.
Speed service delivery
ALB offers a full integration with DocuSign, the market-leader in digital signatures
Provides the ability to sign any document, from any location, at any time, on any device
Replace the cost and time-consuming activities associated with paper, postage and document chasing.
e-Signatures make turnaround much faster and provides a more convenient process for your clients
Secure convenience
Use your existing document template library
Documents are securely sent from, and delivered back to your PCMS, utilising ALB contact data
Automated reminders and expiry dates speed response, and completed documents are saved in the matter history
Your data remains safe, protected by encryption, anti-virus software and malware detectors
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Hosting and Managed Services
A reliable, single point of service and support
A fully managed hosting service from Advanced provides a secure, high performance operating environment for ALB. Our services are flexible, so they can meet your exact system and support requirements today, and far into the future. Whatever that brings.
Advanced Hosting for ALB
Many law firms are moving from on-premise hosting to outsourced management of their IT infrastructures. They do it to gain the significant benefits of on-going system availability and robust security.
24/7 maximum performance
Hosting provides a secure, always-on environment that is easily accessible to all users, from any location
Includes the protection, repair, monitoring and updating of your PCMS to ensure optimal performance
A unique end-to-end solution that can be further expanded to manage all your applications and infrastructure
Delivers much faster implementation timescales compared to traditional on-premise deployment
Security as a priority
Delivered from UK data centres, and monitored 24/7 to offer your firm complete peace of mind
Comprehensive managed backup, helping to ensure your data is always protected
Provided in accordance with ISO 27001:2013 controls
Deployed in reliable, stable and fault tolerant environments, with ongoing investment
Choose an ALB hosting solution that's right for your firm
We use our years of experience to ensure that key performance indicators, service levels and budgets are fully aligned with your firm's critical business objectives.
You control the cost
Choose the level of service you need, based on performance requirements and desired investment level
Predictable monthly charges reduce unforeseen operational expenditure
No additional charges for Infrastructure renewal, which includes updates to software and hardware
Protects your firm from escalating costs associated with facilities, insurance and IT management
Service and support
Delivers proof of service via SLAs
Single point of contact for ALB applications and outsourced IT services, offering a one stop support solution
Consistent IT support services with physical access to server data centres and infrastructure
You can choose the level of service support you need - from 9 to 5, all the way up to 24/7
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Communicate, collaborate
Make working together easier
ALB provides the tools you need to keep lines of communication open. It allows the easy and convenient sharing of matter information between authorised fee earners, support staff, clients and all relevant third parties.
Legal Live
Tech savvy legal consumers now expect 24/7 online access to their matter information. This solicitor/client interface delivers a solution for all involved parties.
Client self-service
ALB automatically emails a registration link and clients simply enter an email address and password for access
Clients can see information online and easily find the details they need on a searchable summary screen
A milestone tracker allows users to clearly see what stage their matter has reached, and what is due next
Documents can also be easily sent from ALB to Legal Live, allowing clients to complete and return them.
Fee earner efficiency
Solicitors can quickly and securely share forms and documents with clients and 3rd parties from within ALB
The ALB user controls who sees each document and can notify users when a document is ready for them to view
Client self-service eradicates the need for lengthy telephone calls and paper based data collection processes
Access permissions can be revoked at any time
ALB Connect
Process 3rd party information requests quickly with ALB Connect. This configurable API framework acts as a channel between fee earners and suppliers, speeding response and matter completion.
Automated delivery
Connect compiles information requests, along with required data in the correct format, from within ALB
The request is transferred to an authorised third party who picks it up, and processes the request
When the procedure is completed, required results are delivered directly back into ALB
The fee earner accesses the information, from within the current workflow, and incorporates it into the matter
Simplified completion
User firms can create multiple integrated communication channels quickly and easily
Required data fields are clearly displayed, making it easy for the users to enter the correct information
Inbound API calls, such as a client quote requests, can be dealt with just as efficiently
All transmissions are protected and secure
Dynamics CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
Grow and succeed by using CRM technology that enables your firm to send relevant, engaging communications. You can build your brand, maximise client satisfaction and reach new audiences.
Marketing made easy
Dynamics CRM is a bespoke email marketing tool that delivers an easy way to stay in touch
Integrating ALB with Dynamics CRM provides a single source for contact data and marketing-critical information
Use that information to segment prospects and clients, providing messages that generate interest and response
Develop targeted, measurable campaigns, and use response data to build even greater success in the future
Build strong connections
Monitor performance and service delivery by asking clients about their experience with your firm
Promote your firm's expertise with thought leadership pieces that will engage and inform your audience
Identify allied cross-selling opportunities such as offering a will to clients who've just adopted a child
Expand business development activities by inviting clients and prospects to webinars or live events
The Quote Tool
ALB provides a platform that allows your firm to provide 24/7 online price details. Client-friendly web quotes deliver reliable, on-going service and ensure you never miss an opportunity.
Easy online quotes
Automatically react quickly to quote enquiries, even when your office is closed
Provide access to readily available costings to help clients make an informed choice
Use this technology to find to potential clients and increase your number of new business leads
Compliant and efficient
Supports compliance with the SRA compliancy rules
There's no requirement to rekey quoted information when a matter is created, ensuring saved time and accuracy
The Quote Tool easily integrates with Hoowla, Brighter Law and Tonic Works for even greater potential
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Key integrations
Incorporate additional value into your PCMS
We help you leverage the use of ALB by offering seamless integration with other market-leading legal technology providers. These high performance tools help you remain complaint, boost functionality and save time - all from within ALB.
Lawyer Checker
The market leader in fraud protection, Lawyer Checker provides the information you need to protect you, and your clients, from deceitful activities.
Prevent fraud
Market leading platform, used by 1000's of legal firms throughout the UK
Conveniently access Lawyer Checker from your ALB Actions Menu to perform searches against account details
The outcome is instantly recorded against the relevant service record
Search history is easily available from the ALB notes tab
Save time and cost
Authorisations are required to request searches, eliminating unnecessary work, and additional cost
A validation prompts the user to approve the request data prior to submission, ensuring details are correct
If a duplicate search is attempted, ALB will recognise this and state the previous confirmed results
InfoTrack
Conveyancers can save significant amounts of time with easy access to an Infotrack integration that streamlines conveyancing workflow and provides a single source of truth for every transaction.
Faster search results
Improve efficiency by requesting searches from directly within a matter
Speed turnaround times, with much less effort required
The order screen is prepopulated with the matter reference, and details of the person who ordered the search
Results are always available and instantly accessible from within ALB
DocsCorp
The task of combining multiple PDF documents into an electronic bundle is a slow, painstaking task if done manually. DocsCorp automates the process and completes bundles up to 75% faster.
Easy bundle creation
Quickly convert documents to .pdf format from Microsoft Office
Automate the conversion, and assembly, of documents into a complete bundle
Generate an interactive table of content. and add bookmarks and links, for easy navigation
Distribute bundles quickly and securely by email or electronic file transfer
The National Will Register
The National Will Register is the UK’s provider of Will Registrations and Certainty Will Search services. The Register holds more than 10 million Wills and is used by thousands of legal professionals.
Protect and Grow
Protect your firm by ensuring that no Will is left unknown or untraced at the time it is needed
Minimise the risk of another Will being discovered after an estate has been distributed
Prevent probate income loss by registering Wills and allowing searchers to quickly and confidentially find you
The Register is built around the needs of Wills and Probate solicitors, and offers firms cost neutral pricing
Easy Will management
Securely register your entire Will Bank
Search for both registered and unregistered Wills, directly from within ALB
Find, later or unknown Will versions to confirm a client’s assumed position around a Will they have presented
This API integration is available to all ALB users who are members of The National Will Register
Thirdfort
Ease client onboarding with Thirdfort. It's the only platform to combine best-in-class digital verification alongside Open Banking and transaction specific data - and it’s easy to use within ALB.
Protecting your firm
Easily manage growing fraud and money laundering risks and ensure onboarding compliance
Quickly click a button and add the client’s name and phone number before selecting the type of checks needed
Clients can immediately enter required information from their phone, and upload any required documents
The current status of each check is clearly displayed on the Thirdfort dashboard within ALB
Removing efficiency barriers
Verification time is reduced by up to 75%, compared with manual processes
Allows firms to serve a geographically wider client base with no time delays
Meets increasing client expectations of digital self-service
CUSTOMERS
Who succeeds with us
Every day, thousands of users depend on ALB to get the job done
IMPLEMENTATION
Welcoming you onboard
1 day
Starting your journey
We're fully invested in making your journey a success. Our team of knowledgeable experts will meet with your teams to provide product demonstrations, ask questions, and discuss your requirements.
1 week
Understanding your challenges
We'll present a comprehensive PCMS offer with solutions based on our previous conversations. We'll make any adjustments required until you are fully satisfied that this offer delivers what you need.
2 months
Planning your journey
Once you have signed up with us you will have an introduction call with your new Customer Success Manager who will explain who they are and how they can help through the implementation process.
2 months
On the road to go live
To ensure a smooth implementation, our experienced Project Delivery Team will build a plan of action and set up a UAT which is like a comprehensive test drive for your PCMS before it goes live.
Delivery and up and running
We're all ready. As your product goes live, we make sure we're on hand with any help you might need. Our implementation packages are designed to fit around each customers individual needs.
RESOURCES
Legal resources that help you transform
FACTSHEET
ALB Integration with Cloud Forms
FACTSHEET
FACTSHEET
FACTSHEET
FACTSHEET
VIDEO
VIDEO
CASE STUDY
Questions you should ask when considering legal transcription
The utilisation of legal transcription software is crucial to maintaining documents, here are the questions you should be asking.
4 Feb 2022 by Doug Hargrove, Managing Director - Legal and Education
How to manage your firm and workforce in a digital future
Law firms are undergoing a rapid transformation as they transition at pace to a digital future. Here, Doug Hargove, MD for Education and Legal at Advanced, shares some thoughts on how to manage your firm and workforce to achieve successful implementations.
5 Jan 2022 by Doug Hargrove, Managing Director - Legal and Education
Never miss a billable minute again
For chambers and law firms alike, time is money. Which is why it is so important to be able to record time quickly and easily. And let’s be honest, it isn’t barristers’ favourite task to do either.
27 Oct 2021 by Doug Hargrove, Managing Director - Legal and Education
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Transform your legal team with Advanced Practice and Case Management
Get in touch to find out more.
Call us at
0330 343 8000